SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (March 18, 2015) – “Changes Are A Comin’!” In fact, changes appear to be on a fast tract in this new year of 2015.
City Manager Tim Ernster served his last day in that capacity on February 13, 2015, to be replaced by Justin Clifton of Delta, Colorado, the selected choice from 108 applicants. Mr. Clifton is expected to relocate to Sedona early in May, and has indicated his willingness to initially spend considerable time listening to the community.
Applications are presently being accepted for the position of Sedona City Attorney since Michael Goimarac also recently announced his intention to retire.
The man who wore many hats at City Hall, Nick Gioello, packed up his gear and hit the road for Eugene, Oregon, after having served the City of Sedona for the past 17 years. From a Code Enforcement Officer to Assistant to the City Manager and most points between, Gioello made friends and accommodated folks along the way.
Quite possibly his greatest legacy to Sedona is his voice-over in the artistic video production of Sedona’s most remembered “Vision Statement” currently shown at the beginning of council meetings. Not for long, however, because this City Council on March 11 discussed revising and updating the creation. Council members John Martinez and Scott Jablow strongly supported retaining the present version. Angela LaFevre also agreed with the exception of the background music. A final decision for replacement remains pending and will be decided at a future date.
For those who have not had the opportunity to experience the talent of Mr. Gioello, the link below is offered for your enjoyment. But hurry because this original Sedona artistic masterpiece stands to soon be replaced at the discretion of this seated City Council.
Click on Item 2, “City’s Vision Statement.” Length: one minute, seventeen seconds. (Council is considering something shorter.)
http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/03102015-979
Viewing the above at actual council meetings or on live TV, Cable Channel 4, is far more impressive on a “big screen” – honest!
As with the Vision Statement, City Council mulled over replacing “A Moment of Silence” with “A Moment of Art.” A number of comments have already been posted on this website relating to that discussion.
By a vote of 6-1 (John Martinez opposing) City Council approved adding a Moment of Art at the beginning of the first Tuesday monthly meetings of Regular Council Meetings, beginning in April. Also, the final decision by 5-2 approval was to retain the “Moment of Silence.” (The two council members objecting to retaining the Moment of Silence were Jon Thompson and Jessica Williamson.)
During this March 11 council meeting, there was also a thirty minute discussion about modifying City Council Rules of Procedure and/or other Council Meeting Protocols: Because city legal representation was not present at this meeting, it was decided for Jon Thompson and John Martinez, together with Interim City Manager Karen Daines, to schedule a meeting with City Attorney Mike Goimarac to discuss recommendations from council members and report back to City Council at a later date.
So, yes, change is inevitable. Some of it is beneficial, some of it is not. More proposed changes will undoubtedly be forthcoming if for no other reason than to comply with certain specifications established in the Revised Community Plan.
Stay awake. Be alert. It is a public process.
To quote Jose Ortega Y Gasset, “Better beware of notions like genius and inspiration; they are a sort of magic wand and should be used sparingly by anybody who wants to see things clearly.”
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and views!
Thank you for the link to the vision statement video. Even the small screen version is impressive but I’m wondering why Angela LeFevre objects to the music? It’s extremely low key. In fact I wouldn’t have even noticed it at all if she hadn’t voiced an objection. The only time it was apparent to me was at the end of the short one minute video. And others on this city council think they can do a better job? Without Nick Gioello’s voice? Go figure.
Why don’t you go after the CVS issue, and the bias slate of our Larson produced Red Rocks News? It’s so sad that 3 surrounding communities came to agreement but their voices are ignored by the newly elected City council members campaigned to restrain more coml development, yet now are sitting deep inside the pocket of this big box store. Strange how quickly their campaign pledges have become best vision for the city..power corrupts absolutely.
@Michele Inglis: Are you aware of the city’s intention to make that Biddle property another “focus center?” And then, as you point out, the Larson’s own all that property on the other corner. So CVS was most likely predetermined by those key “planners” who pushed the revised Community Plan.
Remember the recently approved hotel (Mariott?) out by the high school? And have you read the article “Future of Western Gateway?”
Sadly it’s a bulldozer that cannot be stopped. The “plan” was abetted when the chamber of commerce and Steve Segner promoted “their” candidates and assured their election by guerilla tactics, also made public via this web site. People ask for facts. There you have it.
This is the Vision Statement in the revised Community Plan:
“Sedona is a community that nurtures connections between people, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and supports a diverse and prosperous economy, with priority given to the protection of the environment.”
Conspicuous by absence: No reference to retaining a “small town character:”
Based on that compared with the words spoken by Nick on the video, there’s little wonder why those who worked on changing the Community Plan want to get rid of the original “Vision Statement.”
Translated: An invitation to big-time changes?
My turn. That community plan is drivel. Can we get any less direction and less substance after hundreds of hours of meetings and discussions…short answer NO.
And just how much money is all that “drivel” going to cost Sedona city residents?
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
Great meeting coverage. Keep it up.
City Council. I expected better.
If anyone happened to attend the Future of Sedona Western Gateway meeting at the library on March 31 then you had a real eye opener of what’s ahead. Changes mentioned in this article might be better referred to as “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet” because ideas abounded at that gathering that had absolutely nothing to do with keeping a small town character. No wonder they want to change the vision statement. That’s probably the only forthright thing that’s going on in Sedona now days. Residents wake up. The ship is sinking.
It’s been said things must get worse before they get better. How much worse? That’s the question most likely without an answer.
But maybe the turning point will be when the new City Manager arrives in May. We’ll see how long it takes for him to see through the City’s connection with their favorite “non-profits” including possible questionable personal ties.
Maybe some good changes will be forthcoming and spring cleaning will include removing unnecessary dead wood at City Hall. Of course, the buck always stops with the City Council and we can’t do a whole lot about that.
But, if they ignore sound advice from the new kid on the block (City Manager), then it will mean business as usual and how long will a responsible person remain on a job under those conditions?
Thanks Eddie for the kind words. I was always very proud of the voice work I did on that video. For the record, ex City Councilman and P&Z Commissioner Jim Eaton put the video and music together, and did a fantastic job.
From my experience living in Sedona for over 17 years, I would say Sedona was and is always changing and evolving. New things come and old things go away. How that change is managed (or nurtured) is is part of what your city staff is hired to do, to facilitate change and guide the city towards the future. The critical component in this continuing process of change is outreach/communication with the citizens, and in that area, in my opinion, the city could do better. I think staff does a better job at communication now then when I arrived in Sedona in 1997, but I still believe it can be improved. Like everything else that changes, how you communicate must also change to improve. The digital revolution over that last 20 years proves that point.
What is my evidence that there needs to be better communication between the city staff and the public? Just take an objective look at the comments that get posted here and other news outlets and you will see a wide range of thoughts, some of which include accusations of misdeed, misunderstandings of city processes and sometimes just plain wrong information. When I see cynicism expressed by the public, I know it stems from a lack of knowledge, and that lack of knowledge is not the fault of the public; that is the failure of the city in getting information out effectively, timely, accurately and in an understandable form. It takes enormous effort and resources to do proper communication, and city resources staff-wise are thin. I spent countless hours over the years meeting with people who came in cynical or upset with a project or process and after an hour of explaining and discussing, in most cases they left feeling better about it, because I gave them critical information they were lacking. They may still have not liked the project, but they understood the process and usually had some fears relived. It didn’t happen in all cases but it did in a majority of them, and you’ve probably heard that from people over the years who dealt with me at the city. My hope is the city keeps moving in the direction of improved communication with the public.
As far as the changing of the vision statement, as I said, all things in Sedona change. Just be mindful of what you change it to; your vision charts your course to the future!
Nick, your words just confirmed the message I attempted to convey and your attitude appropriately reflects reasons your departure will remain a loss to Sedona. Personally, no, I never heard anything but praise from those who had dealings with you.
From my own perspective I’ve found City Staff cooperative, especially when seeking facts about stories I write. Time and time again I’ve apologized for being a pest, and always, perhaps with one exception, the response has been gracious and positive.
Having watched many City Council Meetings made it obvious that Staff was occasionally treated less than cordially. In fact, I recall the first time I thought we met was at Basha’s after I’d written an article reporting one such occasion, and I approached you and asked “Are you Nick Gioello?”
As you confirmed that, indeed, you were, you reflected we had met at another time when you were working as a Code Enforcer, and in a squad car with another police officer, I believe you asked for directions in front of my house but reminded me of the javelinas wandering about. “Don’t worry,” I said. “They won’t hurt you,” as I waved you on and you watched them follow me up the driveway. They were all named “Chico” so there was never a problem of favoritism.
Since I no longer fill the bird feeders they don’t hang around like they once did, but I see tracks during the night because all wildlife comes for water. Our yard has been certified with the National Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife Refuge since prior to incorporation so that should qualify as “Grandfather” status should it be questioned by those who seem to have nothing else to do.
The responsibility for lack of knowledge doesn’t necessarily become the burden of Staff. In fact, I’ve found it to be the opposite. For one thing, employees such as yourself work for the City for years and years whereas City Councils and Mayors are changed at least to some degree every two years. It remains my opinion that Staff must have elephant hide and nerves of steel at times in order to endure what amounts to serving as both technicians in their respective fields with the added burden of ongoing tutelage. Each “Changing of the Guard” produces, again my opinion, all too frequently an array of clueless individuals who once seated behind that dais enter a Never, Never Land of enchantment, open to changes and alterations based on the “Eye” word. Seriously, if one is bored enough it might be amusing to watch a Council Meeting rerun and attempt to count the non voting “Eyes” (as in want, think, believe, etc.) from the ongoing orations from not all, but a select few.
Maybe this is one reason it becomes difficult to ascertain when and if changes come about, are they based on sound and valid reasoning or too often the self-imposed agendas of those making the decisions?
Thank you, Nick, for the history of the present Vision Statement video. Anyone who thinks it’s less than a master piece and won’t be a tough, if not impossible, act to follow, perhaps represent the “Eye Vision” people – know all, be all, and have the audacity to “fix” something that clearly “ain’t” broken.
For you to take time to post a comment on Sedona Eye, and under one of my articles, is an honor. And surely you must realize that by doing so you will subject yourself to attacks by unnamed cowards who have much to say about nothing, including their “real” names. You’re in a good place though . . . many, many miles away from the war zone where you won’t have trouble dodging the bullets.
Wishing you the best of luck, we will continue to enjoy the legacy you left until it, too, will be replaced. Yes, as most things, the video is replaceable but the void of a class act will not . . . can not be replaced . . . Ask The Shadow. The Shadow knows everything.
Eddie
Nick
Thanks for “stepping up” and serving all those years for the City of Sedona.
All too often here today and especially here on this site people love to find fault in City government and “spin” their bias while writing articles or negative comments “from the sidelines.”
So thanks again for your service to the city.
Nick I know it s late but wanted to thank you…….west Sedona resident STOP BASHING THIS SITE. YOUR THE REASON IT EXISTS, THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS & DON’T YOU GET IT? To the rest who don’t get it like WSR this site doesn’t offer negative IT offers diversity. You don;t like diversity, you don’t like here. Examine your issues, examine your hates an examine your selves. Good night!
Hi Nick,
Very special you are. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you. Every time I heard your name is was in appreciation along with a compliment! Thank you for all that you did for Sedona. You are well liked, and very much respected by everyone. Wishing you the best.
Donna Joy Varney
It’s just an observation here but the negative comments might be a really positive sign that for sure the articles being panned are accomplishing really very good things.
Aside from being factual (unless identified as Letters to Editor or Opinions) when the truth is exposed and hits too close to home a normal reaction is to deflect and try to strike back.
A better approach might be to get out of the kitchen when the heat gets too hot. But if people haven’t the sense to do that then give them more rope until they hang themselves.
In this situation poorly written, garbled responses from unidentified sources are valid proof that the truth, indeed, is penetrating and hitting home runs.
Keep up the good work, Sedona Eye.
@ Nancy M
When you say “In this situation poorly written, garbled responses from unidentified sources are valid proof that the truth, indeed, is penetrating and hitting home runs.”
Since you are not posting your last name either, we should clarify you as “unidentified” also, RIGHT???? I mean how many Nancy’s are there in the Verde Valley?
@Just Saying OMG HOW MANY NANCY”S ARE IN VV? Here s something for you to do —- COUNT THE NANCY S. Leave a comment after you find out. Inquiring minds want to know. Good day.
@ Steve
Oh, we all know that there is only one Nancy S. Gee ya think it’s the same one??? Naw couldn’t be.
Thanks for the article. I am looking forward to some positive change. Hopefully the new city manager can help. Everyone needs to get control of all the emotions floating around. We ALL look very foolish when bash each other. Name calling gets you nowhere. Negative comments brings negative.
I enjoyed the article and hope that this new city council doesn’t make changes. Loved Nicks voice along with what it said. Since very few residents voted this new community plan in we may be going down the wrong direction. Even those that voted didn’t completely understand the new community plan. Things need to get simplified for us everyday people.
Thanks a million Just Sayin’ for proving my point, and in record time, too. You made it so easy and not much of a challenge but that’s about what I expected.
And what makes you think I live in the Verde Valley?
If Sedona is the only place in Northern Arizona that produces bitter nuts and fruits, then no wonder Nick G finally bit the bullet, picked up stakes and got the heck out. And apparently he wasn’t the only one with “smarts” as indicated in the article the City Manager as well as the City Attorney couldn’t take it any more either.
Then there’s the fact, I do believe, that according to the last census Sedona’s population dropped around 1,000 when heads were counted. There’s probably not enough money in the universe, Chamber or no Chamber, to reverse the increasingly bad image Sedona is earning and rightfully deserves. For starters, have you checked the traffic lately? And, of course, inane comments which I previously addressed add to the image as dirty little deeds unfold.
Have a great life, Just Sayin ‘. But then with your infinite wisdom it’s surely in the bag.
Bye, Bye
Back at ya Nancy “M”
So with all of that fluff you just spouted, you forgot my point, you talk a good game and spin your opinions but as long as you use some first name with an initial, you are just as unidentified as the other posters on this site.
About the traffic. Since the chamber of commerce is so quick to take questionable credit for all the increased traffic, then why shouldn’t they, along with those members of the city council that approved the “destination marketing,” be liable in the event of a disaster which is looking more like a “not if” but “when.”
If a few law suits result from these impossible traffic snarls, then why shouldn’t those who recklessly encouraged them be held accountable for resulting damages? If that were the case, then maybe some positive changes would be enforced.
Once Pandora opened her box releasing the seven deadly sins the one remaining but “good bug” was “Hope.”
Will Sedona be lucky enough to have a city council that can actually put in motion a method to reverse this nonsense of spending so much money which they are told is to attract destination tourists? Of course, that remains to be seen during the annual down times beginning with June, July, and August.
And, of course, would any of them have the gumption during the upcoming budget planning meetings to suggest using the 30-day termination clause to cancel the contract with the chamber of commerce and actually put that million-plus dollars to good use such as providing additional parking or even sweeping city streets which also accommodates thousands of looky-loo tourist vehicles.
Will “Hope” continue to spring eternal or is the next clap of thunder on the horizon one of further destruction? Does this city council have more tricks up their sleeves that will have negative impacts on both residents, visitors, and in-city businesses, especially legitimate lodging accommodations?
Maybe it’s Pandora who “ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” Wake up Sedona residents.
@Peter – Get your message and well thought out. But I think it’s our bully buddy Steve Segner who is the low life in all this mess. Novel concept of putting in play the 30 Day termination clause with Chamber! That just made me laugh and then think that maybe their might be a god…the Chamber has become much more political than realistic and all for their own benefits.
Its time for the chamber and Miz Jenney to get back to business of telling the truth. Time for her to just get it done with membership dues etc. Time for her to stop the Regional concept!
With all due respect (reference sharlett comment) neither Steve Segner nor “Miz Jenney” and her Chamber of Commerce made the decision to allow public funds in the amount $1.3 million dollars to be handed over to them, regardless of the purpose. That decision was made by seven elected individuals, and in my opinion it was and remains reckless spending of public funds, and with this present council it doesn’t appear it will change. And “change” is the subject of the above article.
As I didn’t vote for Segner and/or “Miz Jenney” they have no obligation to act on my behalf or any of the voting residents. Their rightful duty is to look out for the welfare of their members, within or outside Sedona City Limits.
The rightful duty of elected City Council should be exclusively to look out for the benefit of residents and businesses within Sedona City Limits. They are failing that duty by their funding of a “regional” Chamber of Commerce . . . period!
So let the Chamber, Lodging Council, and Tourism Bureau (all one and the same) continue to laugh and whoop it up all the way to the bank as their accounts continue to grow and city finances continue to dwindle. Isn’t that the “factual” return on their investment?
The best case scenario IMO and considering all the investigation apparently going in with the City Council Chamber love affair would be in my opinion that the bottom line ends up reeking with illegalities – maybe IRS and or AG’s office. Then they will all be busted.
But it will be the City holding the bag for irresponsible disbursement of public funds. Wouldn’t that be a loverly change? Of course the nasty voices on this web site wouldn’t agree but better yet if they ended up being among those left holding the empty money belt.
Wishful thinking? Maybe yes maybe no. Time will tell but wouldn’t it be a refreshing change? (can’t wait for the the smashed cats to respond)
Hmmm . . . no response from the wise and worldly Just Sayin? Your silence is deafening but oh, so refreshing. Maybe the investigation is getting under your skin just a tad? Not to worry, nothing lasts forever.
No grass growing under the feet of this Council – No Siree, Sir!
They wasted no time in doing away with the “video” version of the Vision Statement at the beginning of the meeting on April 14th. It was unimpressively read (IMO) by Vice Mayor DiNunzio while seated at the dais. Hardly the grandeur of past experiences where we actually had an “artistic” opening sequence without turning the presumably serious business of a City Council Meeting into a Dog & Pony Show.
Maybe the Council could hold out their hats for contributions at the next performance. They’re always looking for new sources of money grabbing.
Not intending discredit to talents of varied artists in Sedona, it remains questionable whether or not a City Council Meeting is an appropriate place for displays and presentations. The change of art on the wall is one thing. But taking up more time at meetings which are progressively becoming longer and more frequent, is this really appropriate? And two or three of them complained by a “moment” of silence?
One thing that remains alive and well in City of Sedona is “Arrogance of Power.” Unlike Sedona’s incorporated population which is shrinking, AOP continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
City to consider “professional service contract” with Red Earth Theatre (nonprofit tax exempt corporation) to operate and manage the Teen Center at the Posse Grounds. City will pay Red Earth Theatre $29,000 for a 14-month trial period beginning May 1st and ending June 30, 2016. An anticipated $14,124 “fee revenue” return offers Red Earth Theatre total estimated compensation of $43,123 to promote the center for live performing arts activities, with no tangible financial return to the City.
Is this a better use for the Teen Center than considering to rent it out for social events (receptions, meetings, parties, etc.) which would offer the City much needed revenue instead of proposed “user fees” which will not achieve cost recovery?
The City Council will make that decision at the Council Meeting on Tuesday April 28, 2015:
“CONSENT AGENDA ITEM:
g. AB 1928 Approval of a professional services contract between the City of Sedona and Red Earth Theatre for the management and operation of a small live performing arts venue in the City’s Teen Center facility located at Posse Grounds Community Park.”
Has the City of Sedona ever met a “non-profit” they didn’t like? Maybe if “retirees” incorporated as non-profit tax exempt we might warrant a little more consideration than just being useless blobs of protoplasm that don’t pay our fair share? Something to think about.
Remembering the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club,
As I remember, the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club was once the Sedona Boys & Girls Club. I could be wrong …. have been before.
Someone might want to determine why the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club no longer exits due to lack of funding and a host of other reasons.
I worked with these young adults and it was very satisfying. It was sad to see them close down but they failed to have a good business model and had some management issues.
The fate of the Cottonwood Boys & Girls Club can be found in the Cottonwood Verde Independent.
If you spend money on it (Teen Center) will they come?
Gary Chamberlain
Cornville AZ
I relocated to Sedona some 12 years ago because of a great climate, dining opportunities that far exceeded a normal small town, and a burgeoning cultural community.
In a community that states it is “animated by the arts”, I have witnessed in the short time I have been here the loss of the Cultural Park, Shakespeare Sedona, Jazz on the Rocks and Canyon Moon Theater all at the same time the City is encouraging more tourists, more traffic congestion, and more use and therefore abuse of one of the nations great natural treasures.
The contract with the Red Earth Theater is a low cost way for the City to promote the return of the live performing arts to Sedona. This may be accomplished in a grossly underutilized City facility, at a minimal cost, with availability to all small groups who cannot afford to perform in SPAC.
I strongly encourage Council to approve this trial and I strongly urge each and everyone of us to support the live performing arts in Sedona.
Ron Maassen
ps To get the facts correct there is opportunity for the City to benefit monetarily because rental revenues in excess of the $14,124 is to be remitted to the City.
As TEEN CENTER TO CHANGE advised, Red Earth Theatre’s total compensation from the City for the fourteen-month trial period is $43,124. Net income in excess of the $14,124 Red Earth Theatre retains, if any, goes to the City. In addition to paying $29,000 for managing, operating and promoting the venue, the City must cover the utilities and contract costs.
Giving USA, which tracks charitable spending, reports that governments now supply one-third of all funds raised by not-for-profit organizations. The non-profit sector in Sedona are too dedepdent on City Hall.
I agree that not-for-profit organizations and businesses are too dependent on City Hall.@ JeanJ. I never seen so many dollars get “gifted”. How can we get this changed?
Doing business in Sedona in hard, funding these groups only adds to it, in my opinion. These organizations need those in the private sector that want those services to contribute. It’s not the government responsibility. Instead of teaching them how to fish we are handing them fish. They all plan and depend on it now. I am all for those groups that provide a service to the city to get paid for their services. These groups have become reliant on the city for funding. They need to learn to fish. This is the fair thing to do as the residents and in town businesses are the ones funding this.
Love to hear suggestions on how to change all the city funding to not-for-profit organizations and business leagues.
The complete circle of our community is working together not funding every not-for profit. By the way those running these groups are paid very well, they are not volunteers in most cases.
The changes I’ve seen in Sedona are not good. I wish every resident would write City Council and ask them to step back. Stop funding outside special interest groups. Get focused on City work and not charity. We all be better off removing the conflict of interests.
In a perfect world all causes would be adequately funded, no hunger – no homeless. Likewise in a perfect world wouldn’t only those truly in need and deserving, down on their luck so to speak, be the recipients of welfare and “entitlement” benefits? And then only until such time as they regained self respect and took responsibility for themselves?
Not so this day and age. Too many want the government to be all things to “most” people, especially those with their hands out, unwilling to fend for themselves and make an honest living.
If this city continues down this road, as Jean J. rightfully points out, there will be no funding for capital improvements in just two years. And then what?
As the non-profits continue to reap unwarranted benefits we, the residents, many just retired nuisances on limited budgets, will be required to subsidize the wasteful practice of encouraging “begging” from City Hall. Many of these newly found non-profits, incidentally, are “regional” over and above the already cash-greedy alleged non-profit City pet and parasite, “Sedona” Chamber of Commerce.
Nothing is about to change course with regards to the soundly established give-away joke Sedona has become. But then who’s laughing? Oh, but of course, those making trips to the bank and writing their own high salaries at the expense of the non-chamber member city based businesses and lowly residents who would just prefer to live peaceful lives without being dunned, every time we turn around, to fund perhaps well meaning causes that realistically benefit only selective groups.
That teen center pretty much sits vacant… You really think that a small thearte group(not for profit) getting funding from the city for start up is a bad idea?!
I don’t.. Plus comparing a Thearte group to some buisness is laughable..
The place doesn’t even hold that big of a crowd.. Move along please.
We went to LA and San Francisco for spring break. Took four kids, all college age. They hated both cities. One son has since refused a job offer in LA based on that visit. He’s taking a job in Kansas instead. Reason? Homeless. They are threatening, intimidating, disgusting, mentally unstable, physically fine, and threatened us in cars and on the streets when we went to see certain sites.
A naked man laid on a sidewalk in LA and a cop having coffee nearby observing the hundreds surrounding him made no move to arrest him or take him to a hospital. A man in the same area took out a heroin needle and shot up sitting on the sidewalk in our full view. The area stank of urine and poop and there were free facilities all around, my daughter saw a woman squatting next to one rather than open the door. She checked the toilet because she was going to report it was out of order. It wasn’t. It was basically unused. But there were piles of (removed) all around the toilet. Those cities sightseeing venues can rot in hell.
Wait. They are.
If Sedona has even one homeless person on the street begging, you’re done. We come to commune with the rocks and nature not junkies and beggers. We won’t come back. I’m not taking my family out on hikes and worrying that somebody on heroin wants my cash or pulls a knife or gun and threatens my children. I’m not walking on your streets in the daytime because it’s blistering hot or at night because it’s unsafe. Close your galleries because I’m not stepping over bodies camped in your doorways or (removed by editor) on a trail. Dogs get curbed, fines are paid for not picking up their feces but the homeless get a free ride?
We give them toilets, we give them food, we give them counseling, we give them bath facilities, we give them free transportation, we give them money, we give them housing, but we are not giving away our quality of life because they don’t want what we give them.
Do gooders, Go somewhere to dig wells, go clean homeless toilets. Stand there and force people to take a crap inside the toilet we taxpayers gave them. Go to Arabia and stop beheadings. You personally take a homeless man or woman off the street and YOU do something for them; you talk to them, you give them baths, you clean up if they crap next to your toilet. Do something worthwhile.
Bond refinancing and MORE DEBT are on the 9:00 a.m., April 30, 2015 City Council Meeting Agenda.
Two of the three scenarios are interest-only refi’s so as to obtain lower rates on the City’s Series 2005 Bonds ($10.29 Million, WW Fund) and a portion of the City’s Series 2007 Bonds (WW Fund and General Fund). No increase in the Principal amount due and owing, and no extension of maturities, are coming down the pike.
The third scenario is ugly. It involves $10.3 Million in new bond debt, as well as refinancing both bond series mentioned above. According to the Finance Director, “The ongoing debt service would be paid from the additional sales tax revenues allocated from the General Fund, as the sales tax subsidy for Wastewater is reduced.” Oh yes, the maturities on the Series 2005 and Series 2007 Bonds would get extended from 2027 to 2031.
It all this isn’t enough, workshops on the PROPOSED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016 begins this coming Wednesday morning. Estimated Budgeted Expenditures have gone up by 11%–from $38,385,154 this year to $42,456,470 next year. Why not? The City’s annual revenue has yet to make it into the $30 Million range post Great Recession.
The Arizona Department of Revenue issued its “FY 2013/14 Report of Bonded Indebtedness” last December. Sedona’s per capita bond debt of $4,649.62 is the 7th highest of Arizona’s 91 cities. The average per capita debt for cities and towns with outstanding bond debt is $1,765.98.
@Ryan & Corona Family – “them folks” you speak about are “entitled”, don’t you get it? Of course you do. It’s the give-away mentality of those in control which fosters that type of behavior and ya’ll better believe it.
Beginning with encouraging the line-up at City Hall of supposed “non-profits”(knowing full well they will be subsidized because word is out) is already one step in the door for Sedona’s known “welcome one and all” policy. And now this city council is talking a “human rights” code or some danged thing, plus wanting to join forces with Flagstaff to encourage enforcing a minimum wage increase? Why when no one really wants to work anyhow?
Charity should begin within the structure of maintaining the life style of those within an incorporated area – not idle bystanders looking for handouts as it is rapidly becoming and will only get worse.
To hell with the deterioration of our neighborhoods. Next the holier than thou will be demanding anyone with an extra room take in a stranger and encourage their high-priced habits being supported with food stamps and welfare money.
Each day seems to foster an increase of local panhandlers. The scene has been set. And this council will encourage it because they already are.
Thank you, Ryan & Corona family, for perhaps the most realistic eye-opening tell-it-like-it-is comment ever posted on this web site. Bravo!
@sharlett It is not about just the teen center. City assets are major money makers for most cities. The property- city managers performance is based on how well they run those assets. Then when they run them at a profitt,gifting a start up non-profit is a double gift and cost the city zero. I have some personal knowledge of some great ideas on how other cities make their assets money making programs.
I love it if you and our city would like to explore.. It is really very fun and exciting. Trackable were you can see the revenues by projects. City staff usually loves it as they get credit for the work. They get raises based on performance..Residents and vistiors love it also. It is a win win!!
Hello All.
Feel the need to let you all know that “someone” has decided to crash or hack my name (for their twisted benefit) as they attempt to have you all believe I somehow love the Chamber and the Regional Chamber and the City Council —-and that is just the beginning.
For the record the last post that I, sharlett, made under this article is as follows: sharlett says:
“April 12, 2015 at 9:07 pm
@Peter – Get your message and well thought out. But I think it’s our bully buddy Steve Segner who is the low life in all this mess. Novel concept of putting in play the 30 Day termination clause with Chamber! That just made me laugh and then think that maybe their might be a god…the Chamber has become much more political than realistic and all for their own benefits.
Its time for the chamber and Miz Jenney to get back to business of telling the truth. Time for her to just get it done with membership dues etc. Time for her to stop the Regional concept!”
You might notice that I make no reference to the teen center in my last post.
The sharlett want-to-be’s jump to their own conclusions, and for their own self serving benefits and try to use my name to substitute their bully routine on 4/27 as he brings in the teen center.
This sharlett has not had a Epiphany and fallen in love with the Regional Chamber or City Council….so if you read words to contradict those thoughts – you will know it is the FAKE sharlett. This sharlett has not changed Her mind or Her stances. I have seen the light and My light has not changed from my get go!
The person using My name is stealing and continuing to deflect away from the real issues…and just trying to shut sharlett down by assuming my identity – for their own benefits.
Segner and his minions and all those without names come to mind first in the continuation of Bully Tactics!
the real “sharlett” says:
@Peter – Get your message and well thought out. But I think it’s our bully buddy Steve Segner who is the low life in all this mess.
Donna joy , oh Im sorry the real “sharlett”
show me one post that was not a fact, and exactly when and how did I bully anyone
when i see a post with information the is not correct I just post the correct information,,,,
steve Segner
We LOVED Sedona. Be careful your town doesn’t start to look like a highway exit! The road in is gorgeous from the freeway, slow and easy and not built up & keeps it real what Sedona promises to be about. We wouldn’t come back if that changes, it set a scene when you rounded the curve to see the red rocks like the bell shaped one! Fave store was big white rooster, loved pink jeep tour early, coffee shops wicked —except for 1 with scuzz bags hanging out says Agnicia. Not many great restaurants despite reviews. Barking Frog has good happy hour, went several times. Its quiet and dark here, we like that, sat and talked, weather not best but clean and fresh, nice friends reunion arranged by Duane. G’day Sedona. See you in a couple of years (Peurto Rico next) then might be back. (Might be 3 yrs before we get back!) Keep it real for us Sedona! SoCal Somebuddies subscribe (removed by editor) reasons
Sorry @Steve Segner I am not your sharlett or anyone else’s. But I will agree that you do bully and push your way around. Making up rumors about me and my business is a good example.
I see a conflict of interest. $$$$$ Your organization should collect money from your members not the city. Oh, Ed told me your members wouldn’t pay anymore for advertising. So getting it from the city was easier and that I should just go with the flow.
Steve, I have always been transparent and open. I have no problem using my real name.
In most states a regional chamber taking money to promote those outside the district is illegal. I offer to help you all create a fair system, Jennifer and Ed declined. I won’t endorse your bad (illegal IMO) behavior, I said that from day one.
Would you like me to send you the emails I sent to City Council or Jennifer? I posted some here on Sedona Eye. Here is a good example. Both Jennifer and Ed got this email.
https://sedonaeye.com/future-weddings-will-be-few-small-and-close-to-home
PS: We never met. If we did you’d realize the type of person I am. Look elsewhere to find your sharlett, I hope you find her or him.
Sweet Regards,
Donna Joy Varney
@steve Segner – trying to help your memory –
Seems to me I remember back during the election days, for the new council, when you owned up to your concept of corrupt gorilla bully tactics…..as you worked so hard to get your “folk” elected all in order to retain your predisposed position of being on the inside – vs being a real member of our community – as you could hide under the skirts of Mz Jenny and her Regional Chamber…..isn’t that called a time when YOU Bullied everyone? Just trying to help your memory.
Also, call me crazy, but by You and the Lodging Council (who is a part of the Chamber – so their level of objectivity is zero) – getting the city to raise the B&B tax by .5% and Chamber is supposed to advertise with those funds for lodging (in and outside of our City) is not a Benefit to your personal business’s? Oh, please tell me that you did not just save yourselves some sweet and deep pocket moneys?
Oh, steve segner – Donna is not me and I’m for sure not her! You are just flailing out with nothing other than you Bully garbage!
It’s pleasing to let all know that at the beginning of the council meeting yesterday (April 28) the Nick Gioello version of the Vision Statement was reinstated. No offense, Council, but if any of you think you can do a better job better check your egos along with your hats and gloves at one of Sedona’s “Gateways.” At least that’s one citizen’s opinion but opinions are in over-abundance in the land called Sedona.
Although pulled from the 4/28 Council Meeting Consent Agenda, after a brief (7 minute) discussion addressing questions from John Martinez, Angela LeFevre, and Jessica Williamson, the Professional Service Contract with Red Earth Theater was unanimously approved @ $25,000 annually (appx. $2,000/mo).
E.S. Maddock